Roof shingle insert for eliminating and preventing algae, moss, or lichen growth on a roof

ABSTRACT

A roof shingle insert includes a top side; a bottom side; an upper edge; a lower edge; and openings. The lower edge includes an integral spacing member. The integral spacing member is configured to raise the lower edge above a roof shingle and is configured to form a gap between the bottom side of the roof shingle insert and a roof shingle.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/798,335, filed on Jul. 7, 2021, and claiming priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/798,335, filed on Jul. 7, 2021. The entire content of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/798,335 is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Most conventional roofs suffer from the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus. Such growths can be unsightly and also damage asphalt shingles by loosening the granules embedded therein which loss shortens the service life of a shingled roof.

Also, water is retained by such growths delaying the complete drying out of the roof after a rain and such. This prolonged contact with moisture also contributes to the shortening of the service life of a shingled roof.

To address this issue, copper and/or zinc strips have been installed on roofs to deter the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus. These strips are often only effective for a few courses of shingles such that multiple rows of strips are required.

In addition, these strips act slowly and cannot quickly eliminate an existing buildup of such growths if the strips are installed much later after the roof itself has been installed.

An example of a conventional copper strip for a roof is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,103,124. The entire content of U.S. Pat. No. 9,103,124 is hereby incorporated by reference.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,103,124 and illustrated in FIG. 1 , a copper sheet strip (roof shingle insert) 28 is installed on a roof. The copper sheet strip 28 has a series of elongated indentations 29 formed thereby to allow rainwater to penetrate through the copper sheet strip 28 and into a lengthwise arched hump 18 and into space A which is packed with algaecide granules.

A copper mesh bottom strip 24 is attached to close off the space A and hold the granules therein. The strip 24 has a protruding edge for nailing. The ends 30 of the strip 24 are wrapped over the ends (only one end shown) to close off the ends of the space A and prevent escape of the algaecide granules.

The sheet 28 is also formed with a series of scallops 29 along its bottom edge to provide a large area exposed to moisture run off while maintaining a good appearance.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,788,870; 9,499,988; and 10,202,771 disclose other examples of a conventional copper strip for a roof. The entire contents of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,788,870; 9,499,988; and 10,202,771 are hereby incorporated by reference.

Although the various conventional copper strips for a roof allow for the water run-off to be exposed to the copper to provide the deterrent effect, the amount of exposure time is not optimized to provide a more effective deterrent, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the exposed run-off water to eliminate and/or prevent the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus on a roof.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a copper and/or zinc strip which increases the amount of exposure time of the run-off water with the strip.

It is also desirable to provide a copper and/or zinc strip which increases the amount of exposure time of the run-off water with the strip to effectively eliminate and/or prevent the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus on a roof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating various embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art roof shingle insert;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the top, front and right sides of a roof shingle insert;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the roof shingle insert;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the roof shingle insert;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the roof shingle insert;

FIG. 6 illustrates a roof shingle insert attached to roof shingles;

FIG. 7 illustrates another side view of the roof shingle insert;

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the roof shingle insert illustrated in FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the roof shingle insert;

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the embodiment of the roof shingle insert illustrated in FIG. 9 ; and

FIGS. 11-13 show various angles formed by a spacing member of roof shingle insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a general understanding, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like references have been used throughout to designate identical or equivalent elements. It is also noted that the drawings may not have been drawn to scale and that certain regions may have been purposely drawn disproportionately so that the features and concepts may be properly illustrated.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the top, front and right sides of a roof shingle insert 100. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the roof shingle insert 100 includes a top side 110, an upper edge 140, and a lower edge 150. In a preferred embodiment, the roof shingle insert 100 is constructed of a copper sheet. The roof shingle insert 100 may also be constructed of zinc or a copper zinc alloy.

In other words, the roof shingle insert 100 is to be constructed of a metal or metal alloy that deters the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

The roof shingle insert 100 includes, on the top side 110, projections 120 that create holes or openings 130 in the roof shingle insert 100 to allow water to flow from the top side 110 of the roof shingle insert 100 to a roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100. The projections 120 are formed across the openings 130.

The projections 120 are formed in a lower portion 155 of the roof shingle insert 100, which is associated with lower edge 150. An upper portion 145 of the roof shingle insert 100, which is associated with upper edge 140 is free of the projections 120.

The upper edge 140 comes in contact with the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 and a roof shingle (not shown) overlying the upper portion 145 of the roof shingle insert 100.

The upper edge 140 and the lower edge 150 are coplanar with the top side 110.

At the lower edge 150 of the roof shingle insert 100, the lower edge 150 of the roof shingle insert 100 includes a spacing member 160 to raise the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100. The spacing member 160 raises the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so that the lower edge 150 does not come in contact with the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

The spacing member 160 may be integral with the lower edge 150.

Moreover, the spacing member 160 may be formed by folding back a portion of the roof shingle insert 100 upon itself such that the lower edge 150 is V-shaped or U-shaped. The V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge 150 raises the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

This gap allows for the collection of water so as to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 100, which aids in deterring the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus. The gap, formed by the V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge, also slows the rate of flow of the water to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 100 so as to deter the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the roof shingle insert 100. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the roof shingle insert 100 includes a top side 110, an upper edge 140, and a lower edge 150. In a preferred embodiment, the roof shingle insert 100 is constructed of a copper sheet.

The roof shingle insert 100 may also be constructed of zinc or a copper zinc alloy. In other words, the roof shingle insert 100 is to be constructed of a metal or metal alloy that deters the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

The roof shingle insert 100 includes, on the top side 110, projections 120 that create holes or openings in the roof shingle insert 100 to allow water to flow from the top side 110 of the roof shingle insert 100 to a roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

The upper edge 140 comes in contact with the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

The upper edge 140 and the lower edge 150 are coplanar with the top side 110.

At the lower edge 150 of the roof shingle insert 100, the lower edge 150 of the roof shingle insert 100 includes a spacing member 160 to raise the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100. The spacing member 160 raises the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so that the lower edge 150 does not come in contact with the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

The spacing member 160 may be integral with the lower edge 150. Moreover, the spacing member 160 may be formed by folding back a portion of the roof shingle insert 100 upon itself such that the lower edge 150 is V-shaped or U-shaped. The V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge 150 raises the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

This gap allows for the collection of water so as to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 100, which aids in deterring the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus. The gap, formed by the V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge, also slows the rate of flow of the water to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 100 so as to deter the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the roof shingle insert 100. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the roof shingle insert 100 includes a bottom side 115, an upper edge 140, and a lower edge 150. In a preferred embodiment, the roof shingle insert 100 is constructed of a copper sheet. The roof shingle insert 100 may also be constructed of zinc or a copper zinc alloy. In other words, the roof shingle insert 100 is to be constructed of a metal or metal alloy that deters the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

The roof shingle insert 100 includes, on the bottom side 115, holes or openings 130 in the roof shingle insert 100 to allow water to flow from the top side of the roof shingle insert 100 to a roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

The upper edge 140 comes in contact with the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

The upper edge 140 and the lower edge 150 are coplanar with the top side 110.

At the lower edge 150 of the roof shingle insert 100, the lower edge 150 of the roof shingle insert 100 includes a spacing member to raise the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100. The spacing member raises the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so that the lower edge 150 does not come in contact with the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

The spacing member may be integral with the lower edge 150. Moreover, the spacing member may be formed by folding back a portion of the roof shingle insert 100 upon itself such that the lower edge 150 is V-shaped or U-shaped. The V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge 150 raises the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

This gap allows for the collection of water so as to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 100, which aids in deterring the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus. The gap, formed by the V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge, also slows the rate of flow of the water to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 100 so as to deter the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

The roof shingle insert 100 may also include a nailing strip or nailing holes 180 along the upper edge 140 of the roof shingle insert 100 for securing the roof shingle insert 100 to a roof.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the roof shingle insert 100. As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the roof shingle insert 100 includes a bottom side 115, a top side 110, an upper edge 140, and a lower edge 150. In a preferred embodiment, the roof shingle insert 100 is constructed of a copper sheet. The roof shingle insert 100 may also be constructed of zinc or a copper zinc alloy. In other words, the roof shingle insert 100 is to be constructed of a metal or metal alloy that deters the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

The roof shingle insert 100 includes, on the top side 110, projections 120 that create holes or openings in the roof shingle insert 100 to allow water to flow from the top side 110 of the roof shingle insert 100 to a roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

The upper edge 140 comes in contact with the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

The upper edge 140 and the lower edge 150 are coplanar with the top side 110.

At the lower edge 150 of the roof shingle insert 100, the lower edge 150 of the roof shingle insert 100 includes a spacing member 160 to raise the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100. The spacing member 160 raises the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so that the lower edge 150 does not come in contact with the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

The spacing member 160 may be integral with the lower edge 150. Moreover, the spacing member 160 may be formed by folding back a portion of the roof shingle insert 100 upon itself such that the lower edge 150 is V-shaped or U-shaped. The V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge 150 raises the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

This gap allows for the collection of water so as to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 100, which aids in deterring the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus. The gap, formed by the V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge, also slows the rate of flow of the water to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 100 so as to deter the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

FIG. 6 illustrates a roof shingle insert 100 attached to roof shingles. As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the roof shingle insert 100 includes a bottom side 115, an upper edge 140, and a lower edge 150. In a preferred embodiment, the roof shingle insert 100 is constructed of a copper sheet. The roof shingle insert 100 may also be constructed of zinc or a copper zinc alloy. In other words, the roof shingle insert 100 is to be constructed of a metal or metal alloy that deters the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

The roof shingle insert 100 includes, on a top side, projections 120 that create holes or openings in the roof shingle insert 100 to allow water to flow from the top side of the roof shingle insert 100 to a roof shingle 210 underlying the roof shingle insert.

The upper edge 140 comes in contact with the roof shingle 210 underlying the roof shingle insert 100 and roof shingle 200 overlying an upper portion of the roof shingle insert 100.

The upper edge 140 and the lower edge 150 are coplanar with the top side 110.

At the lower edge 150 of the roof shingle insert 100, the lower edge 150 of the roof shingle insert 100 includes a spacing member 160 to raise the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100. The spacing member 160 raises the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so that the lower edge 150 does not come in contact with the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

The spacing member 160 may be integral with the lower edge 150. Moreover, the spacing member 160 may be formed by folding back a portion of the roof shingle insert 100 upon itself such that the lower edge 150 is V-shaped or U-shaped. The V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge 150 raises the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

This gap 180 allows for the collection of water so as to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 100, which aids in deterring the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus. The gap 180, formed by the V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge, also slows the rate of flow of the water to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 100 so as to deter the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

FIG. 7 illustrates another side view of the roof shingle insert 100. As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the roof shingle insert 100 includes a top side 110, a bottom side 115, and a spacing member 160. In a preferred embodiment, the roof shingle insert 100 is constructed of a copper sheet. The roof shingle insert 100 may also be constructed of zinc or a copper zinc alloy. In other words, the roof shingle insert 100 is to be constructed of a metal or metal alloy that deters the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

The roof shingle insert 100 includes, on the top side 110, projections 120 that create an air gap 125 to allow water to flow into an opening (not shown) so that the water can flow from the top side 110 of the roof shingle insert 100 to a roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

The projections 120 are formed in a lower portion of the roof shingle insert 100, which is associated with the lower edge. An upper portion of the roof shingle insert 100, which is associated the upper edge, is free of the projections 120.

The upper edge and the lower edge are coplanar with the top side 110.

At the lower edge of the roof shingle insert 100, the lower edge of the roof shingle insert 100 includes a spacing member 160 to raise the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100. The spacing member 160 raises the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so that the lower edge does not come in contact with the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

The spacing member 160 may be integral with the lower edge. Moreover, the spacing member 160 may be formed by folding back a portion of the roof shingle insert 100 upon itself such that the lower edge is V-shaped or U-shaped. The V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge raises the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

This gap allows for the collection of water so as to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 100, which aids in deterring the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus. The gap, formed by the V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge, also slows the rate of flow of the water to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 100 so as to deter the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the roof shingle insert 100, as illustrated in FIG. 7 . As illustrated in FIG. 8 , the roof shingle insert 100 includes a bottom side 115, and a spacing member 160. In a preferred embodiment, the roof shingle insert 100 is constructed of a copper sheet. The roof shingle insert 100 may also be constructed of zinc or a copper zinc alloy. In other words, the roof shingle insert 100 is to be constructed of a metal or metal alloy that deters the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

The roof shingle insert 100 includes, on the bottom side 115, openings 130, formed by projections 120 to allow water to flow into an opening 130 so that the water can flow from the top side of the roof shingle insert 100, through the roof shingle insert 100, to a roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

The projections 120 are formed in a lower portion of the roof shingle insert 100, which is associated with the lower edge. An upper portion of the roof shingle insert 100, which is associated the upper edge, is free of the projections 120.

The upper edge and the lower edge 150 are coplanar with the top side.

At the lower edge 150 of the roof shingle insert 100, the lower edge 150 of the roof shingle insert 100 includes a spacing member 160 to raise the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100. The spacing member 160 raises the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so that the lower edge 150 does not come in contact with the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

The spacing member 160 may be integral with the lower edge 150. Moreover, the spacing member 160 may be formed by folding back a portion of the roof shingle insert 100 upon itself such that the lower edge 150 is V-shaped or U-shaped. The V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge 150 raises the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 100.

This gap allows for the collection of water so as to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 100, which aids in deterring the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus. The gap, formed by the V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge, also slows the rate of flow of the water to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 100 so as to deter the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the roof shingle insert 1100. As illustrated in FIG. 9 , the roof shingle insert 1100 includes a top side 110, a bottom side 115, and a spacing member 1600. In a preferred embodiment, the roof shingle insert 1100 is constructed of a copper sheet. The roof shingle insert 1100 may also be constructed of zinc or a copper zinc alloy. In other words, the roof shingle insert 1100 is to be constructed of a metal or metal alloy that deters the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

At the lower edge of the roof shingle insert 1100, the lower edge of the roof shingle insert 1100 includes a spacing member 1600 to raise the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 1100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 1100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 1100. The spacing member 1600 raises the roof shingle insert 1100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 1100 so that the lower edge does not come in contact with the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 1100.

The spacing member 1600 may be integral with the lower edge. Moreover, the spacing member 1600 may be formed by folding back a portion of the roof shingle insert 1100 upon itself such that the lower edge is V-shaped or U-shaped. The V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge raises the roof shingle insert 100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 1100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 1100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 1100.

This gap allows for the collection of water so as to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 1100, which aids in deterring the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus. The gap, formed by the V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge, also slows the rate of flow of the water to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 1100 so as to deter the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

The roof shingle insert 1100 includes, on the bottom side 115, projections 1200 that create an air gap 1250 to allow water to flow into an opening (not shown) so that the water can flow from the top side 110 of the roof shingle insert 1100 to a roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 1100.

The projections 1200 are formed in a lower portion of the roof shingle insert 1100, which is associated with the lower edge. An upper portion of the roof shingle insert 1100, which is associated the upper edge, is free of the projections 1200.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the roof shingle insert 1100, as illustrated in FIG. 9 . As illustrated in FIG. 10 , the roof shingle insert 1100 includes a top side 110. In a preferred embodiment, the roof shingle insert 1100 is constructed of a copper sheet. The roof shingle insert 1100 may also be constructed of zinc or a copper zinc alloy. In other words, the roof shingle insert 100 is to be constructed of a metal or metal alloy that deters the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

The roof shingle insert 1100 includes, on the top side 110, openings 1300, formed by projections 1200 to allow water to flow into an opening 1300 so that the water can flow from the top side of the roof shingle insert 1100, through the roof shingle insert 1100, to a roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 1100.

The projections 1200 are formed in a lower portion of the roof shingle insert 1100, which is associated with the lower edge. An upper portion of the roof shingle insert 1100, which is associated the upper edge, is free of the projections 1200.

The upper edge and the lower edge 150 are coplanar with the top side.

At the lower edge 150 of the roof shingle insert 1100, the lower edge 150 of the roof shingle insert 1100 includes a spacing member to raise the roof shingle insert 1100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 1100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 1100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 1100. The spacing member raises the roof shingle insert 1100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 1100 so that the lower edge does not come in contact with the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 1100.

The spacing member may be integral with the lower edge 150. Moreover, the spacing member may be formed by folding back a portion of the roof shingle insert 1100 upon itself such that the lower edge is V-shaped or U-shaped. The V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge raises the roof shingle insert 1100 above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 1100 so as to create a gap between the roof shingle insert 1100 and the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert 1100.

This gap allows for the collection of water so as to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 1100, which aids in deterring the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus. The gap, formed by the V-shaped or U-shaped lower edge, also slows the rate of flow of the water to increase the exposure of the water to the roof shingle insert 1100 so as to deter the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

In FIG. 11 , the spacing member 161 raises the roof shingle insert above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert. The spacing member 161 forms an angle B between a bottom side 115 of the roof shingle insert in the lower portion thereof and portion 165 of the spacing member 161 that engages a roof shingle, the angle B being less than 90°.

In FIG. 12 , the spacing member 163 raises the roof shingle insert above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert. The spacing member 163 forms an angle C between a bottom side 115 of the roof shingle insert in the lower portion thereof and portion 165 of the spacing member 163 that engages a roof shingle, the angle C being 90°.

In FIG. 13 , the spacing member 167 raises the roof shingle insert above the roof shingle (not shown) underlying the roof shingle insert. The spacing member 167 forms an angle D between a bottom side 115 of the roof shingle insert in the lower portion thereof and portion 165 of the spacing member 167 that engages a roof shingle, the angle D being greater than 90°, but less than 180°.

In the various embodiments, the projections may be formed by a hole punch device so that an opening is created in the roof shingle insert, but punched portion remains a part of the roof shingle insert to form the projection.

In an alternative embodiment, the projections may be absent and only the openings are formed in the roof shingle insert.

It is further noted that the gap created by the spacing member may be filled or packed with algaecide granules to deter the growth of algae, moss, lichens, and/or fungus.

As described above, a roof shingle insert may include a top side; a bottom side; an upper edge; a lower edge; and openings; the lower edge including an integral spacing member; the integral spacing member being configured to raise the lower edge above a roof shingle and being configured to form a gap between the bottom side of the roof shingle insert and a roof shingle.

The upper edge, the lower edge, and the top side may be coplanar.

The roof shingle insert may further include a lower portion and an upper portion; the openings are located in the lower portion.

The roof shingle insert may further include projections; the projections being formed across the openings.

The projections may be formed on the top side.

The projections may be formed on the bottom side.

The lower edge may be V-shaped.

The lower edge may be U-shaped.

The bottom side and the spacing member may form an angle, the angle being less than 90°.

The bottom side and the spacing member may form an angle, the angle being 90°.

The bottom side and the spacing member may form an angle, the angle being greater than 90° and less than 180°.

The roof shingle insert may be constructed of copper.

The roof shingle insert may be constructed of a copper alloy

The roof shingle insert may be constructed of zinc.

The roof shingle insert may be is constructed of a copper/zinc alloy.

It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the description above and the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A roof shingle insert comprising: a top side; a bottom side; an upper edge; a lower edge; and openings; said lower edge including an integral spacing member; said integral spacing member being configured to raise said lower edge above a roof shingle and being configured to form a gap between said bottom side of the roof shingle insert and a roof shingle.
 2. The roof shingle insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper edge, said lower edge, and said top side are coplanar.
 3. The roof shingle insert as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a lower portion; and an upper portion; said openings are located in said lower portion.
 4. The roof shingle insert as claimed in claim 1, further comprising projections; said projections being formed across said openings.
 5. The roof shingle insert as claimed in claim 4, wherein said projections are formed on said top side.
 6. The roof shingle insert as claimed in claim 4, wherein said projections are formed on said bottom side.
 7. The roof shingle insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lower edge is V-shaped.
 8. The roof shingle insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lower edge is U-shaped.
 9. The roof shingle insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bottom side and said spacing member form an angle, said angle being less than 90°.
 10. The roof shingle insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bottom side and said spacing member form an angle, said angle being 90°.
 11. The roof shingle insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bottom side and said spacing member form an angle, said angle being greater than 90° and less than 180°.
 12. The roof shingle insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roof shingle insert is constructed of copper.
 13. The roof shingle insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roof shingle insert is constructed of a copper alloy
 14. The roof shingle insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roof shingle insert is constructed of zinc.
 15. The roof shingle insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roof shingle insert is constructed of a copper/zinc alloy. 